The next day, as usual, Bob, the seasoned driver, drove Aiden to the office in the black Cadillac.
Silverstone Group is located in the heart of a bustling business district on the East Coast, a publicly listed company with immense influence in finance, technology, and other industries. The company was worth billions of dollars and consistently held a leading position in the market. The competition here was fierce, and the company's market value was a key indicator of its strength, constantly under close scrutiny from both the financial world and the media.
When news of Rex's heart attack hit the media, it quickly became the hot topic among financial outlets. As the market opened this morning, Silverstone Group's stock price plummeted sharply, like a rollercoaster ride. The American financial market is a finely tuned, sensitive instrument—any shifts in top leadership, especially health-related news, could stir up the stock market like a butterfly effect.
Aiden had just stepped into the company building when David, the Executive Vice President, was already waiting for him. He quickly walked up with a professional smile, extending his hand to warmly greet Aiden. "Aiden Thompson, welcome back!"
As they walked toward the elevator, David continued to brief him. "Aiden, this morning, Rex sent instructions from the hospital, and an internal notice was sent out. During his hospitalization, you'll be stepping in as Acting Chairman."
Aiden's lips curved into a wry smile, a little amused by the irony. Yesterday, Rex had dismissed him as a clueless young hothead, and today, he was handing him the responsibility of acting chairman. Aiden was no stranger to this kind of thing.
When Aiden reached the top floor, as soon as the elevator doors opened, he bumped into Henry Morgan. Henry was the only son of Caleb Morgan, who was the third-largest shareholder before his death. After Caleb's death last year, the assets were smoothly passed on to Henry, making him the third-largest shareholder of Silverstone Group.
When Henry saw Aiden, a fake smile immediately spread across his face, the kind that was easy to see through. "Aiden, long time no see!"
Standing nearly six and a half feet tall, Aiden towered over Henry, who was barely above five foot eight, and spoke in a casual tone, almost indifferent. "Long time no see. How've you been?"
"Not bad." Henry tilted his head back, his smile tinged with sarcasm. "But there's been a rumor going around that you and your dad have severed ties. Is that true?"
Aiden raised an eyebrow and responded without hesitation, "You believe such a ridiculous rumor? Seems like you should focus on more valuable information."
"You've been gone for over a year. People can't help but wonder," Henry shrugged and continued.
"My relationship with my father is much stronger than you think," Aiden said firmly, his eyes radiating unshakable confidence.
"Is Rex feeling better?" Henry quickly shifted the subject, feigning concern. "Yesterday, I just mentioned the idea of calling a shareholders' meeting to re-elect the board, and he passed out from getting so worked up. You know, older folks are more fragile. It might be time for him to step down and let someone else take over. I proposed the board renewal for the company's long-term growth. I'm sure you'll understand."
Aiden didn't flinch. He answered calmly, "Silverstone Group has always respected shareholder rights. Every shareholder has the legal right to make proposals. Even if some suggestions are unreasonable, we'll evaluate them carefully. If this is the shareholders' will, then let's proceed with the meeting according to the proper procedure."
Henry's smile grew slightly, a glint of quiet triumph in his eyes. "That's the spirit. I hear you're the Acting Chairman now. It's probably for the best. With Rex's health, he can't keep handling things like this. The company could really use some fresh energy, a younger, more forward-thinking leader. Maybe that will open up new opportunities."
Aiden slipped his hands into his pockets, already tired of this conversation. "I've got a lot to do. Excuse me," he said as he turned and walked towards his office.
Just as he took a few steps, Troy, Rex's special assistant, hurried up to meet him. Troy, in his forties, wearing black-rimmed glasses and appearing well-mannered, had been with Rex for many years and was one of his most trusted people. He knew everything about the company.
"Aiden Thompson, good morning! Rex asked me to make sure I assist you in every way possible." Troy's tone was respectful but slightly formal.
Aiden couldn't help but think to himself how his father was still worrying about the company even while lying in a hospital bed. He really couldn't let go.
"I need the financial statements for the past year, along with detailed business data, including market research reports, project progress data, and the like. The more detailed, the better," Aiden said, outlining his request clearly.
Troy quickly nodded. "Sure, Aiden Thompson, I'll get that ready and send it to you in half an hour."
Aiden then added, "Before the data arrives, give me a quick verbal update on any major company developments—important partnerships, personnel changes, and any shareholder activity."
Since he had just returned, Aiden wasn't yet familiar with the recent events, so these reports would help him get up to speed on the company's operations and any potential issues.
Aiden walked into the meeting room, chose a seat by the window, and took his laptop out of his briefcase to get to work.
Troy looked puzzled and asked, "Aiden Thompson, are you planning to hold a meeting here? Do you need me to arrange anything?"
"Not for now. I'm just going to familiarize myself with the company's data and current situation," Aiden replied.
"Well, Aiden Thompson," Troy explained a bit hesitantly, "meeting rooms are usually reserved in advance. Several departments have already booked the rooms for this morning. Actually, there's another office next door to Vera's, it's always been empty and is really quiet. If you'd prefer, you can work there for now."
"Sounds good, I'll take that office," Aiden said readily.
When Aiden entered the office, he noticed that although it hadn't been used in a while, it was spotless. A set of brand-new office supplies was neatly arranged on the desk. He knew right away this was likely set up by his father specifically for him. Despite the conflicts and arguments they'd had, his father's expectations for him had never wavered.
After Aiden Thompson made a beeline for his office, almost as if he were shutting himself off from the outside world. His mind was completely focused on the documents David had handed him. Having been away from the company's daily operations for over a year, he was starting to feel out of touch with the company's current state. In the fast-paced American business world, markets can change in the blink of an eye. Making decisions without fully understanding the company could be a huge risk, and one wrong move could lead to a major crisis.
During his time at Nova Capital, Aiden had worked with Grace Li on many due diligence projects. Analyzing a company's operations based on business documents and financial statements had become second nature to him. With Rex hospitalized due to his heart attack and unable to return to the company in the short term to take charge, Aiden knew he had to step up and keep the company running smoothly, or else it could easily fall into disarray.
Just then, there was a polite knock at the door. Aiden responded, "Come in."
Vera Thompson walked in. She had visited their father at the hospital earlier and had just returned to the office when she heard from Troy that Aiden was holed up in his office, buried in paperwork.
Aiden briefly looked up, gave her a quick glance, and asked casually, "How's Dad?"
"His mental state is much better. The doctor said if his vitals are stable this afternoon, they'll move him to a regular ward," Vera replied.
"Okay," Aiden said briefly, quickly returning his attention to the documents.
Vera glanced at the mountain of papers on his desk and asked, slightly surprised, "Are you really going to spend the whole day just looking through these?"
"Yeah, I want to get a general understanding of the company's situation first."
Vera then suggested, "Although the company already issued an internal notice saying you're acting chairman, I think it's still important to call a meeting with the senior management—at least let them know who to report to if anything comes up."
Aiden didn't look up from the papers and responded, "You're more familiar with the company than I am. You take the lead, and I'll back you up."
"But you're the acting chairman."
Aiden looked up at her seriously and said, "I don't think I'm the right person for this role. All I can do is help you as much as I can."
Vera frowned, walked over to his desk, and crossed her arms, speaking quickly. "Aiden, don't think I don't know what you're thinking. I've already told Dad that I'm not cut out for running the company, and I don't have the skills for it either. Eventually, it'll all fall on you. If you really don't want to take it over, then let them take it. We can just step back and be ordinary shareholders, getting some dividends every year."
Aiden rubbed his forehead, quietly thinking how, while other families were fighting tooth and nail over inheritance, his own family didn't have anyone willing to take the reins. It was really a headache.
"If Dad hears you say that, it'll definitely make him sick again," Aiden said helplessly.
"So, just focus on being the acting chairman. If you have any questions, just ask me," Vera said patiently.
"Got it."
"Besides, I know you. You'd rather be building a business with your girlfriend. I'm not going to try to convince you anymore. You have to weigh the pros and cons yourself."
Vera turned to leave, but Aiden called after her, "Sis, can you arrange that high-level meeting for me?"
"Sure." Vera glanced at her designer watch and said, "It's almost noon. What time do you want to schedule it?"
Aiden looked at the materials on his desk and replied, "Four o'clock this afternoon."
"Okay, I'll take care of it."